By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Sept. 14, GNA – The Methodist Guild within the Methodist Church Ghana had commemorated its quincentennial (125th) anniversary, highlighting its remarkable achievements in fostering human empowerment and nurturing spiritual growth.
With their motto: “One Heart–One Way,” the group has a current membership of 22,669, comprising 5,440 males and 14,569 females, and 2,660 young guilders.
Determined on its mandate to mobilise the youth for Church growth activities, the group has established 743 Societies within 249 Circuits.
Mrs Patience Ameyaa Sam, the Connexional Guild Chairperson, said the group had recorded a significant growth of 68.24 per cent.
The population shot from 13,474 during its centenary celebrations 25 years ago, to 22,669 in 2024.
“The Methodist Guild Ghana will continue to train church members as effective witnesses in the Church and in the nation to the Glory of God,” she stated.
Mrs Sam was giving the state-of-affairs of the group at the opening of a four-day Congress at the S.K. Adjepong Auditorium of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on Friday.
The colourful religious gathering coincided with the 12th Biannual Holiday and Prayer Camp conference of the Guilders that enjoined leaders to account for their stewardship.
Arranged under the theme: “Guild at 125—Growing into Christian maturity for effective witnessing,” the conference paid glowing tribute to its leaders, particularly the six who led the Connexional Guild from 1977 to 1997.
They are Mr. J.K. Appiah, Mr. R.J. Sam, Mr. W.H.A. Thompson, Mr. J.K. Wood, Mr. John Adu Dankwah and Mr. James Mokwah who are all late except the latter.
Major activities include prayer sections, networking, traditional and cultural displays, and divine communion services.
Enumerating some of the group’s achievements over the years, Mrs. Sam said a total of 44 brilliant but needy students had been sponsored through the Methodist Guild scholarship scheme, established in April 2008, to pursue higher education and apprenticeship courses.
The construction of a three-storey hostel facility, which started in 2008 to serve as Methodist Prayer and Retreat Centre for Spiritual Development and Recreation dubbed: “Offinso Project” was progressing steadily.
Mrs Sam reminded all to continue to rely on God in all that they do through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“We will also be responsible for each other by loving, supporting and encouraging ourselves to prove that we are growing into mature Christians.
“I encourage all executives and members to do more, particularly in winning souls for Christ, which is the core business of the Church,” she said.
Right Reverend Richardson Aboagye Andam, the Diocesan Bishop of Cape Coast, urged Christians to be more committed to their faith to win more souls for Christ.
He said the time had come for Christians to stand up to defend their faith and practice what Christ taught because the devil was hunting for more souls, which they must win into their fold.
The group was established in 1899 in Cape Coast.
GNA